Licenses and permits to open an importer or e-commerce seller in New York City
Selling imported goods online means customs registration and import paperwork before the first shipment lands. Here are the 8 filings, in the order they're made.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Articles of Organization (New York LLC)
New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State
Filed online with the Department of State, or mailed.
- Fee
- $200
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- A few business days online; expedite is extra.
- Renews
- Biennial statement every two years ($9).
LLC publication within 120 days
New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State
Publish a notice in two newspapers chosen by the county clerk for six weeks, then file the certificate with the affidavits.
- Fee
- $50
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- No standard time published; paid expedited processing within 24 hours ($25).
Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor (Certificate of Authority)
New York State Department of Taxation and FinanceNew York State
Apply online through New York Business Express at least 20 days before your first sale. Display the certificate at each location.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Usually about two weeks.
Create/Update Importer Identity Form
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Up to 5 business days.
Customs Bond
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renews
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry
U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal
The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
More on opening in New York City
Questions people ask
- How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
- How long does it take to get an EIN?
- Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
- How do I become an importer of record in the US?
- Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?
- When do I need a sales tax Certificate of Authority in New York?
Other businesses in New York City
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your importer or e-commerce seller in New York City
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders